Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The purpose of this study is to access whether a personal attitude to physical activity (PA) may influence the appearance of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) patients with well-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Ninety patients attending the diabetes technology outpatient clinic were enrolled. DPN was investigated according to the Toronto consensus diagnostic criteria. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: PA was low in 21.1%, moderate in 42.2% and high in 36.7% of patients. According to Toronto criteria, we defined two categories: the first one with DPN absent or possible (57 (63.3%)) and a second one with DPN certain or probable (33 (36.7%)). The χ(2)-test of the PA groups and the DPN categories showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001), with less neuropathy in patients belonging to the group of moderate/high PA. Exposure to a minimum of 600 MET minutes/week was protective factor against the onset of DPN (odd ratio 0.221, c.i. 0.068–0.720, p = 0.012). Conclusions: This study suggests that DPN is less present in type 1 diabetic patients with good metabolic control and a good personal habit of PA. Moderate-to-vigorous PA of at least 600 MET minutes/week might be a protective factor against DPN.